Jurickson Profar to Sit Out 2026 Season After Suspension Upheld

Braves outfielder suspended for second positive PED test, will miss entire season and $15 million in salary

Mar. 19, 2026 at 11:25pm

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Jurickson Profar's appeal of his 162-game suspension for a second positive test for performance-enhancing drugs was rejected, and he will miss the entire 2026 season for the Atlanta Braves, ESPN reported. Profar, who signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in January 2025, becomes the sixth player to receive a full-season PED ban since MLB increased the penalty for two-time offenders in 2014. The Braves will save $3 million in luxury taxes with Profar's suspension.

Why it matters

Profar's suspension is a significant blow to the Braves, who were counting on the 33-year-old outfielder to be a key part of their lineup this season. The loss of Profar's production and $15 million salary will impact the team's roster and payroll. This case also highlights the ongoing challenge of PED use in professional sports and the need for strict enforcement of drug policies.

The details

On March 3, Major League Baseball issued the suspension when it said Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, which are banned under MLB's joint drug prevention and treatment program. Profar's initial ban came after testing positive for human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone produced during pregnancy that can boost testosterone production. He underwent sports hernia surgery in the offseason and was expected to move from left field to designated hitter this season.

  • On March 3, 2026, Major League Baseball issued the 162-game suspension for Profar's second positive PED test.
  • Profar's initial 80-game suspension was from March 31 to July 1, 2025.

The players

Jurickson Profar

A 33-year-old outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who was suspended for the entire 2026 season after his appeal of a 162-game suspension for a second positive PED test was rejected.

Atlanta Braves

The Major League Baseball team that Profar plays for, who will be without the $15 million player for the entire 2026 season due to his suspension.

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What’s next

The Braves will need to adjust their roster and lineup without Profar for the 2026 season. The team may look to sign a free agent or promote from within to fill the void left by Profar's suspension.

The takeaway

Profar's second PED suspension highlights the ongoing challenge of drug use in professional sports and the need for strict enforcement of policies. The Braves will have to overcome the loss of a key player and $15 million in salary as they navigate the 2026 season without Profar.